Eid al-Fitr: Muslim leaders in Arua urge post-election healing

_________________

Muslims in Arua joined the global celebration of Eid al-Fitr on Friday with a strong call for post-election reconciliation and unity.

During the festivities in Arua city, Muslim clerics and local leaders highlighted the importance of healing the divisions and hostilities that arose during the election period. They emphasised that these divisions have created disunity among the citizens.

The district Khadi of Arua, Sheikh Shaban Abujafar Karala, commended the Muslim community for their perseverance and good deeds during Ramadan. He stressed the need for unity not only among Muslims but also with other religious denominations.

Sheikh Abujafar urged politicians to set aside their differences for the sake of humanity.

“We should not allow anything to divide us. We call for unity and to celebrate the blessings that the Almighty has given to all of us. We must embrace peace and unity, which can be demonstrated throughout our actions. I also want to express my gratitude to the leadership and security forces for their protection during the Ramadan period,” he said.

Sheikh Rashid Khamis, the Deputy Khadi of the Supreme Administration in Arua City, praised the Muslim community for successfully completing the Ramadan season.

He encouraged them to unite, practice forgiveness, and focus on reconciliation now that the political season has ended.

“Very soon, the politicians will return to their respective places, and we should stop dividing ourselves along political lines. It is not the time for Muslims to concentrate on anything other than unity and development,” Sheikh Rashid stated.

Jackson Lee Atima Buti, the MP for Arua Central Division, echoed this sentiment, emphasising that the message from Eid, highlighting unity, forgiveness, and togetherness, stems from various spheres, including politics, religion, business, and community.

He urged Muslims to embrace acts of sacrifice and to share with those less privileged.

"The message for today’s Eid is one of forgiveness, unity, and love. Although we may have our differences, today marks the end of those differences. We should embody the principles of sacrifice, sharing, and gift-giving that the Muslim community has practised over the past month. I urge all the people of Arua Central Division and West Nile to take this message of unity seriously and also to engage with government programs," said Atima.

Saidi Baguma, the mayor-elect of Arua Central Division, emphasised that the Eid celebration reflects unity and reconciliation. He also apologised to those he may have offended during the campaigns, encouraging everyone to set their differences aside.

Some Muslims who attended the prayers shared insights from the messages delivered by the clerics. They recognised the importance of continuing good deeds and embraced the themes of unity, forgiveness, and reconciliation.